Portillo to open Houston locations in Katy and Stafford by end of 2024

Stafford’s new location will be the company’s third restaurant in Houston, following recent announcements of its Richmond and Willowbrook locations. The new 6,200-square-foot restaurant will be located between US-59 Frontage Road and Nexus Avenue, with space for more than 160 diners, as well as two drive-thru lanes, Portillo’s Pick Up shelves and a Grab and Go area. The location is one of the first “Restaurant of the Future” locations built and will feature a Southwestern restaurant theme.

Portillo’s has confirmed the opening of a second new location in Katy, after the Chronicle reported on it earlier this year. The Houston-area restaurant will open at Katy Grand on Grand Circle Boulevard. The retro auto garage-themed restaurant will span 7,700 square feet and accommodate more than 170 diners indoors and another 50 guests on an outdoor patio. The location will also feature a two-lane drive-thru, Portillo’s Pick Up shelves and a Grab and Go area.

A third Texas location will open in Grapevine, a Dallas-Fort Worth suburb, between Highway 114 and South Main Street. The smaller restaurant will accommodate approximately 125 guests inside and an additional 40 guests on the outdoor terrace.

The restaurants are expected to open later this year and feature the company’s signature dishes, including Chicago-style hot dogs, signature Italian beef sandwiches, grilled burgers and Portillo’s famous chocolate cake. With the opening of three new restaurants, Texas will become Portillo’s largest market outside of its home state of Illinois.

“Since arriving in Texas, we have been welcomed with open arms and empty stomachs. So we’re excited to be able to continue expanding our presence in Dallas-Fort Worth and officially bring our unmatched Chicago street food to the Houston area later this year. “said CEO Michael Osanloo in a statement.

The company said it is currently hiring managers and team leaders for both restaurants, with hiring for additional team members to begin soon.